Pov is a 45-year-old watermelon farmer who lives with her son who is a server in a restaurant. Pov enjoys watching Chinese dramas on TV and listening to the radio.
Three years ago, Pov developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her irritation, itching, and discomfort with her appearance. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucus layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil.
When Pov learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled there with her son seeking treatment. Pov needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 6.
Pov shared, “I hope after surgery my eye will feel comfortable and without irritation or tearing. I want to start planting watermelon again when I am better.”